The Mare a Mare: from sea to sea across Corsica
If you want to cross Corsica on foot but find the GR20 too demanding, there's a wonderful alternative: the Mare a Mare routes. These multi-day hikes connect the east coast with the west coast and lead through the green, hilly interior. Less extreme than the GR20, but every bit as beautiful.
There are three variants, each with its own character and difficulty level.
Mare a Mare Nord: from Moriani to Cargese
The northern route runs from Moriani on the east coast to Cargese on the west coast. In roughly 10 days you trek through the Castagniccia with its chestnut forests, over mountain passes, and through remote villages where time seems to have stood still.
- Distance: approximately 130 km
- Duration: 10 days
- Difficulty: moderate to challenging
- Highlights: Castagniccia, Lac de Nino, Tavignano Valley
This is the longest and most demanding Mare a Mare. You'll pass through areas that see barely any tourists, even in peak season.
Mare a Mare Centre: from Ghisonaccia to Porticcio
The central variant is the most popular and varied route. From Ghisonaccia on the east coast you walk in 7 days to Porticcio near Ajaccio. The path winds through pine forests, along rivers, and over the Col de Laparo.
- Distance: approximately 85 km
- Duration: 7 days
- Difficulty: moderate
- Highlights: Vizzavona forest, mountain villages, Gravona valley
This is an excellent choice for anyone looking to do their first multi-day hike on Corsica. The stages are manageable and there are plenty of accommodation options along the way.
Mare a Mare Sud: from Porto-Vecchio to Propriano
The southern route is the shortest and most accessible variant. In 5 days you walk from Porto-Vecchio to Propriano, through the Alta Rocca, one of the most beautiful and authentic regions on the island.
- Distance: approximately 70 km
- Duration: 5 days
- Difficulty: moderate
- Highlights: Alta Rocca, prehistoric sites, Bavella in the background
The Mare a Mare Sud can be walked year-round, including in winter. That makes it particularly well suited for a hiking holiday outside peak season.
Insider tip The Mare a Mare routes are accessible year-round, unlike the GR20 which closes in winter. Spring is ideal: everything is in bloom, the temperatures are pleasant, and the trails are quiet.
Practical tips
- Waymarking: the routes are marked with orange markers
- Accommodation: in gites d'etape (trekkers' lodges) along the route; book in advance during peak season
- Equipment: good hiking boots are a must, but you don't need climbing gear
- Water: always carry sufficient water; there isn't a spring at every point along the way
The Mare a Mare routes show you the real interior of Corsica. No busy beaches, no touristy coast, but the quiet heart of the island.